Day 1 : Arrive Sydney
On arrival at Sydney Airport you are welcomed and transferred to your
hotel. Today you are free to explore Sydney although a representative of the
local tour operator can assist with any arrangements you require.
Day 2 : Sydney, Harbour
Cruise, City Tour
Enjoy a leisurely start to the morning. At midday join a luncheon
cruise on famous Sydney Harbour and explore the waterways that are such an
integral part of this city. Enjoy the views of this magnificent harbour,
undoubtedly the heart of the city. See the impressive homes of Australia’s
wealthy as you cruise the foreshore of exclusive suburbs. The cruise is
followed by an afternoon of sightseeing. See the Sydney Opera House standing
at the eastern end of Sydney Cove, ‘gateway to Australia’. Explore
Hyde Park and the historic Royal Botanic Gardens. It was in this beautiful
waterside park that the first vegetable garden for the new settlement was
planted, more than 200 years ago. Today more than 17,000 native and exotic
plants bloom throughout the year. Continue on to the once notorious Kings
Cross, with its unique blend of colourful characters, harbour flavour,
cosmopolitan cafes and bohemian life. This evening has been left free for
you to dine in one of Sydney’s many restaurants.
Day 3 :
Blue Mountains
Today explore the rugged natural beauty of the Blue Mountains National
Park, rising dramatically from the coastal plain west of Sydney. The area is
superb with its combination of stunning mountain scenery, beautiful gardens
and unusual rock formations. The park is the fourth largest in the State and
is aptly named – the blue coloured scene stems from the heavily
timbered areas of native eucalypts that thrive amongst the deep gorges and
high rocks. Visit Echo Point for sweeping views of the Three Sisters,
Jamison Valley and Scenic Railway. Continue to an Australian wildlife park
to see a host of unique Australian fauna and flora.
Day 4 : Gold Creek Station,
Canberra, FLEXIBLE TOURING
Leaving Sydney at 8.00 am, travel south to Canberra and from the summit of
Mt Ainslie see sweeping views over the national capital. Enjoy a guided
walking tour through Parliament House, one of Australia's most acclaimed
modern buildings (pictured). Then choose to visit either the National
Capital Exhibition and later the interesting collection of memorabilia at
the poignant Australian War Memorial, or, enjoy the National Gallery of
Australia. Later drive around the colourful embassies, many of which have
been styled on the architecture of their native country. This evening, enjoy
a celebration dinner followed by cake and coffee.
Day
5 : Kosciuszko National Park, Alpine Way, Beechworth
Enter Kosciuszko National Park and head to Thredbo, Australia’s
premier alpine resort. This beautiful park encompasses the continent’s
most significant alpine region and its highest mountains. Continue along
Alpine Way where kangaroos may be seen roaming in their natural habitat.
Leaving the mountains, head through towns that sprang up during the
goldrush. Victorian elegance is reflected in the town of Beechworth
(pictured) at the base of the foothills. This once prosperous goldmining
town boasts many classical buildings from this affluent period and is
classified by the National Trust. It was in the Beechworth court house that
Ned Kelly was held before being sentenced to hang.
Day 6 : Beechworth Guided Tour, Brown Brothers Winery,
Melbourne
Morning
involves a guided tour of Beechworth. Later enjoy free time in this
beautifully preserved heritage town, once the centre of the great Ovens
goldmining region. The town's cemeteries tell stories of the successes and
failures of those who flocked here hoping to strike it rich. Continue to the
fertile vineyard region of Milawa and visit Brown Brothers Winery for a
tasting of their superb range of wines. This award winning vineyard has
operated on this site since 1889. Head south into the elegant city of
Melbourne.
Day 7
: Melbourne at Leisure
Enjoy a leisurely day to explore this gracious city. Enjoy the shopping
streets, colourful Victoria Market, the iron-laced terraced houses of
Carlton, St Paul's Cathedral, the stunning new Southbank development along
the Yarra River and the beautiful parks and gardens.
Day 8 : Melbourne
Free leisure time before transferring to Melbourne Airport or continuing
with your own arrangements.
Other
Australia Tour Packages...
